Why You Might Want to Think Twice About Snap- On Teeth (and What to Do Instead)

If you’re looking for a way to enhance your smile, you have many options. The latest option for beautifying your smile is snap-on teeth. In fact, snap-on teeth have gone viral on the internet, but are these teeth worth it? Before you jump on board with snap-on teeth, let’s dive a little deeper into what snap-on teeth work and how they might do more harm than good.

What are snap-on teeth?

Snap-on teeth are a relatively new cosmetic device used to hide stains, chips, and other blemishes on your teeth. These teeth are not dentures, and they are not restorative (like a crown or bridge). In fact, snap-on teeth are a fit-at-home type of prosthetic teeth. Think of them as removable plastic veneers. Here’s how they work:

Order: Snap-on teeth are available to purchase from several online vendors, including Amazon

Fitting: Heat the teeth in hot water; this softens the plastic. Apply the softened teeth over your natural teeth.

Let the snap-on teeth harden: As the plastic cools, the snap-on teeth will harden and create your custom set of teeth.

Redo: If you are not happy with the results, you can warm up the teeth again and fit them again. You may be able to redo them one or two more times, max.

Benefits of snap-on teeth

Part of the allure of snap-on teeth is that they can be done cheaply from the convenience of your own home. Some sets (such as the Imaka upper set) are as low as $35. Other reasons an individual may choose to use snap-on teeth include:

Quickly hide stained teeth

Inexpensive

Ability to use the snap-on teeth as a “trial run” to see how veneers might look

Disadvantages of snap-on teeth

One of the biggest red flags of snap-on teeth is that they are not regulated. Some are custom, but the vast majority are one-size-fits-all. It may be hard to tell the quality of your teeth before you commit to purchasing them. The initial fitting process can be very difficult, and many users report that removing the teeth the first time is very difficult. Because the fit may not be perfect, you may experience difficulty in talking with these teeth. Remember: there is no adhesive so if the teeth shift, your speech will be affected.

There are many other disadvantages to snap-teeth including:

Difficulty in having the teeth feel right or comfortable

Time-consuming: Not only must users be very patient while waiting for the teeth to harden, but they probably need to file down the gums. One Amazon reviewer noted that she had to “trim the canines” because they looked “funny.” She also needed to file down the gums “to keep her lips from puffing out.”

Poor quality: The teeth can wear down over time. (Compare that to a veneer that lasts 15-20 years with good oral hygiene!)

Inserting and removing the snap-on teeth, in general, can be very difficult

Hot drinks are off limits: You cannot drink hot liquids because the heat will soften the teeth (like what you did for the initial fitting process). Unfortunately, this means you have to say goodbye to coffee dates while wearing your new set of teeth!

Food is off limits: You cannot eat while you are wearing the teeth

Because you cannot eat or drink hot liquids with snap-on teeth, there is the very big question of when would you actually wear these teeth? Presumably, individuals who buy these teeth would like to wear them to feel confident with their teeth during dates and social events, but removing your snap-on teeth to eat probably isn’t the solution you were hoping for.

Increased risk of plaque: Due to the gap created between the snap-on teeth and your natural teeth, plaque can build up on your own teeth

Increased risk of decay: Because your saliva isn’t washing away the bacteria as quickly, there is an increased risk of tooth decay. All of that bacteria trapped between your natural teeth and snap-on teeth is a recipe for disaster!

Alternatives to snap-on teeth

The bottom line: snap-on teeth are not ideal, but you don’t have to give up on your dreams of a beautiful smile! Cosmetic dentistry can provide you with safe ways to enhance your smile. Common cosmetic services include:

Professional teeth whitening: In-office treatments often take less than one hour, and then you are set! Even professional take-home trays are quicker and more efficient than over-the-counter whitening trays.

Veneers: These are thin shells that are permanently attached to your natural tooth. Veneers can change the size, change, and color of your teeth. They can also correct minor cosmetic issues like chips and small gaps.

Crowns: While crowns can be restorative, they do enhance the appearance of your smile.

Dental implants: Implants are a wonderful solution for missing teeth as they are permanent, sturdy, and extremely easy to clean. Simply brush them like you would a natural tooth!

Ready to try cosmetic dentistry services? Let us help you!

If you have missing teeth or cosmetic issues (i.e., stained teeth or chipped teeth), the best (and safest) option is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. At Banker Dental Associates, we will help you find the best option for your damaged and missing teeth. Contact us today!